'Harry Potter' actors descend upon Islands of Adventure theme park

CaptionDIAGON ALLEY MEDIA DAY

Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel

James and Oliver Phelps, the Weasley twins, during the media preview at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley - Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) B583808825Z.1

The convergence of actors from the Harry Potter film in Orlando for the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure theme park is serving as a transition for the cast. They wrapped filming on the wildly popular series last week.

The end was a bit emotion for all, including star Daniel Radcliffe. "I was devestated at the time," he said.

For now, they are immersed in the new attraction, which will have its grand opening Friday. The actors were particularly high on Hogwarts castle and the signature ride within, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

"I personally love the bit where there's a moment, I just think it's fantasically clever, where the dementors come and take your soul, and see your own face dragged out in front of you," Radcliffe says.

But Rupert Grint, who plays Ron in the films, has hesitations. "There is a quite large spider portion," he said. "I hate spiders."

More tidbits from the actors:

+ Michael Gambon braved the Dragon Challenge coaster. "I thought it was terrifying," he said. "As soon as I got on, I knew I had made a mistake."

+ Tom Felton, who plays Draco, is accustomed to being the baddie. "I had a lovely child wlak up to me yesterday and say 'I hate you,' " he said. "They all come with hugs and kisses for these two [Radcliffe and Grint], but none for me."

+ Later, four five actors were asked to describe their reaction to Wizarding World in three words or less. Their answers were

"Bloody Hell" (Matthew Lewis)

"Wow!" (James Phelps)

"Very, very impressive (Oliver Phelps)

"You kind of want to touch everything." (Bonnie Wright, who actually used way more than 3 words, but OK by us."

"This is magic," (Warwick Davis).

+ As for future plans, Radcliffe will appear on Broadway next year in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, so he has a mission for now . "The immediate plan is to keep up with my dancing and singing lessons."

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